The future of hearing tests
Technology is constantly evolving and changing how we interact with our healthcare. The world of hearing assistance is no different. Advances in the past few years have offered new ways for audiologists and users to stay on top of their hearing health.
One way that hearing health has advanced substantially in the past few years is through new hearing test technology. Here we’ll review some developing approaches to testing hearing and tracking health.
New ways to check your hearing in 2020 and beyond
1. Go online for a quick test.
Several companies now offer hearing tests right on their websites for customers to quickly test their hearing. This is a great option for those who are just starting their search for hearing assistance or who are unsure if they are ready for a trip to the audiologist.
Reminder: These tests are helpful as a quick check-in with your hearing abilities, but they do not replace a professional hearing test done by an audiologist.
Resound Online Hearing Test
Resound is a hearing aid specialist that has included an easy and free hearing test directly on their website. If you think you may be suffering from hearing loss, an online test can be a quick and easy way to get some insight on your current level of hearing before making an appointment with your doctor.
Widex Online Hearing Test
Widex is also a hearing aid company that offers a simple way to test your hearing online. Their platform leads testers through a series of questions about their hearing, then a simple test to determine if there is any hearing loss present.
2. Test via a free app.
Hearing screening apps are becoming a popular way to test your hearing quickly and from the comfort of your own home. Like online hearing tests, these apps are a helpful option for those who are unsure if they need to see an audiologist. They can also be helpful to test the “age” of your ears by measuring what level of high-frequency sounds you can hear.
Like online tests, these apps do not replace a professional hearing test as they vary in accuracy and complexity. But, they can be a great first step to better hearing. If you show signs of hearing loss, it may be time to seek a clearer picture from an audiologist.
Popular Free Hearing Screening Apps for iPhone:
uHear (iPhone)
Sound Check (iPhone)
Play It Down (iPhone)
Hearing-Check (iPhone)
Popular Free Hearing Screening Apps for Android:
NOWiHEAR (Android)
Test Your Hearing (Android)
3. Receive hearing telehealth at home.
For those who are already aware of their hearing loss, technology offers a simple way to get ongoing hearing care at home.
Tyto-Care Tyto-Home Kit
Unlike the previous testing apps, the Tyto-Care Tyto-Home kit offers a more in-depth way to manage hearing conditions (as well as other health concerns) and collaborate with their audiologist. This product helps people easily test their hearing and ear health from home. Then, through the system, family members can check their loved ones' hearing and send clinical-quality exam data right to their audiologists.
4. Look to the future with eye-based hearing tests.
Not all new technology involves going online. Researchers are currently investigating a new type of hearing test that considers pupil dilation to determine an individual’s hearing ability. The theory is that our eyes dilate in response to sound, and that if no dilation is noticed, there may be a hearing loss. This type of test will be most helpful in identifying hearing loss in those who can’t communicate, such as infants and young children or those with speech or learning difficulties.
5. Test your general health via your wearable.
One of the most innovative trends in hearing technology is the transition to wearable hearing devices that can do far more than help us hear better. The future of hearables is pointing in the direction of including biosensors that test and measure other aspects of our health such as heart rate, body temperature, blood oxygen levels, eye movement, skin resistances, brain activity, and stress hormone levels. While these developments are still being developed, the hearables of the future may be able to help us manage our hearing and other health concerns better.
The future sounds clear
From more accessible tests and accurate diagnoses, to improved home care and new features for wearables, technology is paving the way for a better future of hearing health.
HeardThat is proud to play a part in this innovation by providing a new kind of hearing assistance: an app that works with your current hearing aids or earphones to make speech clearer.
Find the HeardThat app on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android) to experience the difference today!